(a) Find a single word from the passage that will exactly replace the
underlined word or words in the following sentences.
(1) The kind stranger went and got back the ball from where it had rolled
into the bush.
(2) I took offence at the expression on his face that was clearly meant to
insinuate I was a liar.
(3) The firm experienced a financial loss when the contract went to a
contender who had just entered the business.
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(b) For each of the words given below, choose the correct sentence that
uses the same word unchanged in spelling, but with a different
meaning from that which it carries in the passage.
(1) alarm (line 8)
(A) The silence from the other end set off alarm bells in her head.
(B) The pallor of his skin alarmed those standing around.
(C) I set my alarm for six o’clock but slept through it.
(D) The sound of the approaching jets caused some alarm in the
war room.
(2) wicket (line 44)
(A) The wicketkeeper was the true saviour of the day for that one
match.
(B) The team wanted to bat while the wicket was still dry.
(C) The man at the window handed us our tickets through the
wicket.
(D) The quick loss of wickets demoralised the team.
(3) reason (line 48)
(A) After the tragedy, his ability to reason is severely diminished.
(B) They reasoned they could get better seats if they arrived early.
(C) Recipients of funds were selected without rhyme or reason.
(D) We have every reason to celebrate.

20] Write a composition (in approximately 400 - 450 words) on any one of the following subjects. (You are reminded that you will be rewarded for the orderly and coherent presentation of the matter, use of appropriate style and general accuracy of spelling, punctuation and grammar.)
Film stars are good role models for youngsters. Argue either FOR or AGAINST the given statement.

20] Write a composition (in approximately 400 - 450 words) on any one of the following subjects. (You are reminded that you will be rewarded for the orderly and coherent presentation of the matter, use of appropriate style and general accuracy of spelling, punctuation and grammar.)
Write an original short story which ends with the following words:
He stood looking out of the window, with a smile on his face.

20] Write a composition (in approximately 400 - 450 words) on any one of the following subjects. (You are reminded that you will be rewarded for the orderly and coherent presentation of the matter, use of appropriate style and general accuracy of spelling, punctuation and grammar.)
The children’s library in your locality was in a neglected condition. You and your friends visited it
recently and decided to do something about it. What did you see there and how did you bring about
a significant change? Describe the excitement on the reopening of the library and how you felt when
many children began to visit it eventually.

20] Write a composition (in approximately 400 - 450 words) on any one of the following subjects. (You are reminded that you will be rewarded for the orderly and coherent presentation of the matter, use of appropriate style and general accuracy of spelling, punctuation and grammar.)
You depended on technology to complete an important task. However, it failed you at a crucial moment.
Narrate what happened, your attempts to fix it and the lessons you learnt from this experience.

20] Write a composition (in approximately 400 - 450 words) on any one of the following subjects. (You are reminded that you will be rewarded for the orderly and coherent presentation of the matter, use of appropriate style and general accuracy of spelling, punctuation and grammar.)
Clothes define a person. Present your reflections on this statement.

Write a feature article in about 300 words, to be published in your school magazine on the topic “The
Importance of Sports’. Your article must use the guidelines given below:
Inculcates discipline – builds teamwork – has health benefits – develops leadership qualities – leads to
character building – provides career options